April, 2011 | Tibetan Buddhist Altar

Understanding Our True Nature

April 8, 2011 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

From a series of tweets by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo:

Here we are in Barnesville Maryland where it is really pouring hard. Bird feeders just filled so seeds will clump. At least the little guys can stay dry in their little birdie houses. Too bad we don’t have a “Sunflower Seed Tiny Pizza” delivery service. And a tweetie bird to share with!

But I digress. Mostly on days like this I feel so bad for those without comfortable homes be they birds or humans. So wet out and chilly! For so many life is a constant struggle, and eventually it is lost. That is the condition of sentient beings, without exception. Even if we are now comfy, dry and nourished it may not be the case later. Health can fail, bank take the house, no food. So we are all the same in our needs and are the same in our nature. We all have this potential for Buddhahood and yet we cannot say we are all enlightened, awake.

Think of Buddhahood as a clear crystal, pristine in every way. But crystal can vary, in size, shape, and it can get dusty and dirty. One can spill their soup with it. Take it to unclean places. Then the appearance of the crystal is different but it’s inherent quality is still the same undefiled nature. We can mess up our crystal in uncountable ways, yet our Buddha nature remains. Under the dust, soup, grime it remains pure. Nothing to fix.

Yet when we look at each other we see mostly grime, dirt, dust and rotten soup. That is because we ourselves lack the purity to see it in others. Our own crystal is dirty and soupy and everything is distorted. Some even say they got instant enlightenment, no fuss, no muss. Then why are Buddha-like qualities not seen? Why is there still hatred, grasping, ignorance? Why the meanness and petty arguments? Could it be the work was not done, practice not serious, and your crystal nature is still filthy from shallow non virtue? Well, unless your instant enlightenment was in a tub of Windex I bet there is a lot yet to do. But if you insist that perfection is already yours, that you have the “great accomplishment” without actually accomplishing anything – well go ahead. It is your time to waste until death and then there is no time at all. At that time our own eyes will tell the story, and all will be revealed. Just as it is.

Astrology

April 8, 2011 by Norma

You can stabilize an important, long lasting relationship and simultaneously step into a mess. Ah life! The agreement is serious and a good one, and the mess comes from somebody goofing around and losing awareness. Go back and apologize, fix the mess if it’s your fault. Immediately following this, significant conversations or communications with important people are wonderful. Stay focused and thoughtful today, and keep communicating! This is not a day to hole up or seclude yourself. Many possibilities are here, eyes sharp! Do not directly oppose a powerful person, no matter how right it seems. Vince Lombardi said “If you aren’t fired with enthusiasm, you’ll be fired with enthusiasm.” Love is fun and totally unrelated to all the rest.

The daily astrology post affects everyone. Because individual charts vary, the circumstances outlined in the post will affect people differently. Some will feel this energy in the personal arena, some in finances, some with children or family, some in work and so forth. There are many departments of life. Look to see where the dynamic affects you!

Overcoming Fear

April 7, 2011 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

From a series of tweets by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo:

I have always ground my teeth since childhood. Called Bruxism, especially at night. Last three years it has been out of control even with medicine. I use a night guard, and got caps. Now caps are chipping and abscessing.

Last few years have been unbearable stress, had a threatening stalker, causing so much pain and fear. Now I’ll have to find a way to fix them all. My psychological and physical health are profoundly wrecked as well. And when I feel a wreck the people around feel they are suffering as I normally look after them. Tough here right now.

I want to look after my health so I can go on with my vocation. But I feel like I’m climbing a steep mountain from the very bottom. I haven’t seen a proper doctor for three to four years. The stalker had me too fearful to do anything and I feel awful about it. My students have watched their “Alpha Leader” go down, and so have I seen my own weakness. I’m working to get it all back, and at least I can get to appointments without fear. So if this treatment takes a long time, so be it. Payback for my dumb old fear. At least I’m on track! I am going to beat this thing, and I am so grateful for the courage returning, and the opportunity. Just wish it hadn’t taken so long.

And I wish authorities would take such life destroying stalking behavior seriously, much quicker. Now we wait until lives are ruined.

I pray for all women who are harmed because they are women who have succeeded in life.

OM TARE TUTTARE TURE SOHA!

OM AH HUNG BENZAR GURU PEDMA SIDDHI HUNG!

Astrology

April 7, 2011 by Norma

An early morning inspiration can result in a surprisingly effective plan for action. A mediator or communicator is doing an excellent job of getting the facts straight and making points. It’s important to recognize and support the good will of a leader. Someone is working hard to protect everyone. Action is still crucial, and a palpable excitement is in the air! Please pay attention to the planet mercury, which is engaged in looking back and fixing issues that fell through the cracks previously. The nice part here is that if you’ve made a mistake, you can go back and fix it. Allow people to fix things with you, too. Expand your mind and your horizons. Donald Trump said “If you’re going to be thinking anyway, you might as well think big.” Indeed.

Astrology

April 6, 2011 by Norma

A joyous event is here, today! Be happy! Attitude is everything on this day. If you’re invited somewhere, don’t forget to bring a gift. Enthusiasm and optimism move mountains. A Vietnamese proverb says “Your way of giving is more important than what you give.” Give with a smile, and it’s a good gift. Give with a frown or inner resentment, and it’s not such a good gift. Love is tender, and you must still tend to things of the past as you move ahead. This is a good shopping day.

Would You Know?

December 23, 2011April 5, 2011 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

From a series of tweets by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo:

It’s not just me and mine. Respect and view toward Lineage Lamas has tanked in western centers. Reminds me of a song I love by Art Garfunkle:

“And if you watch the stars at night, and find them shining equally bright- you might have seen Jesus and not have known what you saw. Who would notice a GEM in a Five and Dime store?”

Perfect example of lack of view in a material world!

OM MANI PEDME HUNG!

Astrology

April 5, 2011 by Norma

Speed is of the essence today. Work harder and faster! Again, an extremely protective energy or force is present. An excellent leader has appeared, a good and noble person offers ideas that are broad and all-inclusive. Generosity is reciprocated, and you have the ability to be generous in a way that makes a difference. A new medicine or cure may be discovered. If you have felt unwell, careful reflection will give you a solution to the problem. Love is present, and a sort of collective kindness is present. Women and children are happy, and they bring joy into the environment. Make a purchase, something you’ve considered in the past is best, and that item will please you long into the future. Groups are forming around strong leaders. Those stuck in the past are being edged aside. Check yourself carefully. Are you ready for new things, or have you taken root? Wake up! Shakespeare said “April hath put a spirit of youth in everything.”

Anniversary of the Parinirvana of His Holiness Penor Rinpoche

December 23, 2011April 4, 2011 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

From Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo on the Parinirvana of His Holiness Penor Rinpoche:

It has been two years since His Holiness Kyabje Penor Rinpoche’s Parinirvana, and we will be remembering Him while praying for His return. Most Palyul centers worldwide will be gathering at the same times for Puja, Ceremony, etc. His Holiness Penor Rinpoche is so widely, deeply revered and cherished.

It would be my great joy and wish that every accomplishment in Palyul brought by His Holiness Penor Rinpoche be left exactly as it is, waiting for His return. Sadly, that may not come to pass. Even though every blessing we all enjoy came from His Holiness Penor Rinpoche’s own vision, heart and precious hands. Many things are being changed around. It will not be the same if it is not as His Holiness Penor Rinpoche envisioned. But Palyul is ancient, strong and powerful. The sacred visions of the peerless Master Tulkus of Palyul will re-assert itself. Like a river too mighty to be thwarted it will remain.

I have learned well since the Parinirvana the strength and consummate skill of my Root Guru, what He had to deal with. I am awed by Him. I remember so many times hearing “if you follow His Holiness Penor Rinpoche’s instructions perfectly all will be perfect”. In my mind that has not changed. Therefore with sadness and joy I await His Incarnation, when all I have and have worked for for over 20 years I will place in His beloved hands. May I always be reborn in His entourage, life after life, for the sake of all sentient beings. May all be Liberated by this great Buddha!

Download PDFs of the following:

Extensive Prayer for the Swift Rebirth of His Holiness Drubwang Pema Norbu Rinpoche

Concise Prayer for the Swift Rebirth of His Holiness Drubwang Pema Norbu Rinpoche

Astrology

April 4, 2011 by Norma

Explosive action is still in the environment. Your response depends on how this affects your personal horoscope. If the connection is favorable to you, you will rocket forward toward the fulfillment of your dreams. If unfavorable, you have work to do to avoid trouble. Stay alert! A change occurred overnight, and water is an important component of the day… rain, oceans, rivers, baths, drinking water! A situation can be improved by looking into the water system. A method of lubricating action can be found, if you look. Water under the house, plumbing systems, swimming pools! Water is both the problem and the solution! A hunch or rapid action puts you in tune with the times. And still, you’re re-working things. Assertive speech is present, but take unpleasing words with the proverbial “grain of salt.” People are stressed and may say things they don’t mean. If that’s you, apologize.

Whether a Positive or Negative Connection

April 3, 2011 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

From a series of tweets by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo:

Oooo boy, today I have an awful toothache, one tooth is abscessing, another one with temporary filling fallen out, so I had to take pain meds and still hurting. I have…have to see a dentist tomorrow if someone will fit me in. I hate to go but must. On top of that my lower back has kicked in. It is pretty hard to do anything.

It’s my own fault, I let medical things go way too long. I’m good with taking care of others, and I care very much. My pack gets only the best care. Just ask the book keeper at the Vet’s office. . And that is with Dr. Pema’s help for free. I really don’t know why I resist taking care of myself. I know I feel whiny and foolish when I go. It isn’t reasonable – I know. Childish even, but there you are.

I know people who love going to Doctor. Over the littlest things! Medical people joking say they are “frequent flyers” (kinda funny) but who knows? Maybe they’ll live forever, and I’ll plotz from a dental abscess or ingrown toenail. And sadly I’m so stubborn, ask my family. Can’t make me do anything, sadly. Ani Ariana is often gently trying to urge me on, then she tries another tactic. I am clearly the bane of her existence, poor thing. Too late Ani! Bwahahaha!

I remember Kyabje His Holiness Penor Rinpoche telling me I should take better care because he needs me to live a long time. Yikes, haven’t taken that instruction to heart. Not good. And His Eminence Gyaltrul Rinpoche says I must live another 50 years. Oy. For the sake of Dharma in the west.

I never understood those instructions, had a “who, me?” attitude. The last three years or so I’ve come to understand what was meant. I’ve had, with the help of my Sangha, to physically protect our Stupas from defilement and wrong use, had to protect Palyul from vicious slander, His Holiness Penor Rinpoche too. I’ve had to fight vicious lies about me, my family, my sangha, my Lineage. I’ve been threatened as has KPC. I guess it is all good, as the light at the end of the tunnel is visible.

All Long Life prayers for me include the declaration that whether good or bad circumstance every sentient being will benefit be connecting with me. Therefore whatever happens will make the world better somehow, and Dharma safer too. For that I am truly happy and feel it is all worthwhile. I don’t want to talk to haters and don’t like thinking so many exist. But they do, and in numbers; I want to help, and I’m happy I can, whatever method. KYE HO!

OM AH MI DEWA HRI!

OM MANI PEDME HUNG!

The Longevity Supplication of Lhacham Ahkön Lhamo

called

A Garland of Utpala Flowers

EH MA HO ORGYEN DU MA THA LA’I ZHING KHAM NE

EH MA HO In the pure realm, Dumatala’i of Orgyen,

KHA CHÖD KHANDRO’I TSO MO DRÖL MA KAR

White Tara is the principal Dakini of Khachöd

DAKI LHACHAM MANDARAWA NYID

Whose nature is the Dakini Lhacham Mandarawa

BÖD YÜL AHKÖN LHAMO CHANG CHUB DRÖN

Appearing in the land of Tibet as Ahkön Lhamo Changchub Drön,

KU SUM ZHING NA TRO DU DZED PA’I GAR

Performing the dance of radiating and reabsorbing from the realm of the three Kayas.

AH KAR ÖD DZE LHAMO ME TOG DRÖN

Beautiful light of the white AH, Lhamo Metog Drön (Goddess Flower Light),

CHI LING KYE U DREN LA SÖL WA DEB

I supplicate you to save beings in the Western realm.

TSHE DAG RIG NGA TSHE YI PHO NYA DANG

The five classes of the owners of life and the messengers of longevity,

PEMA KA RA GYA GAR RIG DZIN GYED

Padmasambhava and the eight Vidhyadharas of India

NE YÜL ZHING KYE PA WO PA MO’I TSHOG

And the assembly of Dakas and Dakinis of the realms of the sacred places and countries,

CHI DAG PUNG JOM KHYED NAM DEN TOB KYI

By your power of Truth, overcome and defeat the Lord of Death.

AH KAR ÖD DZE LHAMO ME TOG DRÖN

Beautiful white light of AH, Lhamo Metog Drön,

KU TSHE’I GAL KYEN BAR CHED YING SU SÖL

May the conflicting circumstances and obstacles to your life expectancy dissolve in the sphere of Truth.

DÜL CHA’I KHAM LA DÜ SUM TAG ZHUG SÖL

Throughout the Three Times, pray, remain firm in the realms of beings to be tamed,

GYAL TEN DZIN KYONG PEL LA NÜ TOB GYE

Ever increasing your strength to hold, maintain and increase the Buddha’s Doctrine.

ZHAL JAL SUNG THÖ ZANG NGEN GANG DREL CHE

May whoever sees you, meets you or hears your speech,

MED JUNG KU ZHI’I LING DU WANG JOR SHOG

Be it a positive or negative connection, become a sovereign of the unsurpassed realm of the Four Kayas!

Samaya ku sung tug kyi gya

This supplication prayer was revealed by the well-known incarnation of the Indian Mahasiddha Trilwupa, Tertön Pedma Tumpo.
May virtue prevail!